Being Vegan, Vegan Being: Natalie Alexandra- The Best Taste on Earth is Peace

I am originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil; but I live in Calgary, Canada. I am a certified personal trainer and plant-based nutritionist. I also have a degree in psychology and am currently doing a Master’s in counseling psychology.

What was the moment you realize that you wanted to go vegan?

I don’t know if there was a specific moment that I decided I was going vegan or if it was a gradual process. I think the catalyst for change was rescuing a cat, who opened my eyes to how amazing animals really are. I realized that I was living an incongruent lifestyle by caring for one animal and eating others. I started to do some research and learn more about the reality of animal agriculture. I watched the documentary Earthlings, which was a huge eye-opener and propelled me to make some much-needed changes in my life. I realized that I no longer wanted to support the industries that exploit and abuse animals for profit.

How long have you been Vegan?

I have been vegan for 3 and a half years.
Why is being Vegan important to you?

Now that I am aware of what impact my lifestyle choices have on the lives of other beings and the planet, I choose not to contribute to the suffering and devastation that animal products create when they can be easily avoided by simply making different consumer choices.

Any recommended Vegan books?

The World Peace Diet by Dr. Will Tuttle has been the most transformative book I have ever read. I was already vegan when I read it but it still had a powerful and life-changing impact on me.

Do you have a favorite movie or videos or your own media that you want to share?

I watched this speech right after watching Earthlings. It really captivated and inspired me to be vegan for life and to educate others.

Do you actively promote veganism? How? Please share any stories you would like.

Yes. I have given presentations on animal rights, I have protested against animal use and abuse, and I actively promote veganism to raise awareness in everyday life and on social media.

What is your favorite Vegan meme?

What is the vegan stereotype you hear the most and how do you respond to it?

The 2 main misconceptions that I hear about veganism is that it is difficult to be vegan and that vegans don’t get enough protein.

I respond to both by saying that it is simply a matter of educating oneself. Being vegan is no more difficult than not being vegan. Once you go through a small learning curve and know what you are doing, it is a joyful and healthy lifestyle.

Also, vegans get plenty of protein. I eat a plant-based whole food diet and have no trouble meeting, and even exceeding, my protein requirements. It’s amazing to me how widespread this myth is.

In today’s world, with the internet at our fingertips, it is easy to veganize basically any recipe and eating out is not as difficult as many people think. In fact, with the availability of more vegan restaurants and vegan choices on menus, it has never been easier to be vegan.

“When you know why you are doing something, the how becomes much easier.” – unknown

What does living cruelty-free mean to you?

It means living a happy and healthy life and granting the same to others. No one has to suffer and die for me any longer.

Be nice, feel nice. Be nasty, feel nasty. The vegan life is the kind life and the happy life. Any passing pleasures from eating animal foods cannot remotely compare to the overwhelming joy that comes from being kind to others. And any pleasure from eating animal foods is totally destroyed by the lingering aftertaste of pain, which will never go away.